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Grilled Pineapple Cheeseburger

A delicious, crowd-pleasing burger featuring juicy beef, grilled pineapple, and melted cheese, perfect for summer barbecues.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, BBQ
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the patties
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness) or lean beef/turkey Use leaner meat for a lighter version.
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
For assembly
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese (or pepper jack, Swiss, vegan cheese)
  • 4 pieces hamburger buns (or gluten-free buns / lettuce wraps)
  • 4 slices pineapple (fresh, cored — about 1/2-inch thick)
  • 1-2 tbsp olive oil (or neutral oil for grilling pineapple)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey (optional, for extra caramelization)
  • 1 medium tomato, sliced
  • Lettuce leaves
  • 4 slices red onion (optional)
  • Pickles (optional)
  • Ketchup, mustard, or burger sauce to taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high (about 375–450°F / 190–230°C). If using a stovetop grill pan, heat over medium-high heat.
  2. In a bowl, gently mix the ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Don’t overwork the meat — form into four even patties about 3/4-inch thick.
  3. Press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty to prevent puffing.
  4. Brush pineapple slices lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with brown sugar or a drizzle of honey if using.
Cooking
  1. Grill the patties for 3–5 minutes per side for medium. For food safety, cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  2. In the last minute of cooking, add a slice of cheese to each patty and close the grill lid to melt.
  3. Grill pineapple slices for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and caramelized.
  4. Toast buns briefly on the grill, cut-side down, 30–60 seconds until lightly crisp.
Assembly
  1. Assemble: bottom bun, lettuce, tomato, cheeseburger patty, grilled pineapple, red onion/pickles (if using), sauce, top bun. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a healthy swap, use lean ground turkey or chicken, or try a turkey-beef blend. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze patties for up to 3 months.